Re insurance, am sure my policy states in order for bikes to be covered at home, the bikes need to be locked to a non-moveable post. They aren't because it's not possible in my flat but I do keep locks around them. I've also just ordered some datatags from Chain Reaction.

That is shocking. 3 mates in our club have had their bikes nicked in 3 months - Garage, House and garden. A lot of the time we think we are followed home from training (bikes on car racks). I got so paranoid I have swapped my car from my saloon to a Zafira!! The one with the foldy down seats – two bikes will go in no bother!! And it has tinted rear windows – fantastic car! So, no bikes on show when we leave. 2nd hand 3.5k ontr. Plus roof rails for bikes on top just in case. Since it happened the last time a few of us clubbed together and bulk bought a load of bike storage sheds from a local company near us called Asgard site is www.asgardsss.co.uk (I think). Cost us a few quid, but so far no others have gone missing. They are basically weatherproof (and bomb proof) security boxes/sheds. I got a 5% discount on my insurance (£60 saving) for having one. Worth a look.

Bike theft is on the increase – because the ride to work scheme has seen thousands of people buying 1k bikes for next to nothing through their company –Just how many carbon Boardman road bikes are on the road now?? So often with a middle aged man, with no helmet or lights just a purple face and an ill fitting suit!

For bike insuarnce bty Norwich are the best. £38 a month (up to 3k of bikes) last guy who had his stolen got a 2010 model to replace the 2007 that was stolen. THey also replaced the cateye, mudguards, tools, saddle bag, lights and even his bell. Within 10 days no questions!

Last night an unwanted visitor (or visitors) removed nine hinge screws from the shed door six feet from where I slept and made off with my brand new 2011 Scott CR1 Pro and my 2009 S40 Speedster. There was an additional bike lock on the CR1 which was sliced through. Gutted. I cant believe I didnt hear anything.

The copper who came round was very understanding as was the crime scene tech later. Chances of recovery are not high. They've told me to monitor ebay and the local cash converters etc.

I'm missing the S40 more than the new bike it was the one I did IM on and was more attached to despite being a fraction of the cost of the new bike. And it was my commuter (weather dependant).

Terrible isn't it - happens far too often. I lost a MTB out of my back garden a couple of years ago and a folding bike that I got from the tip - I mean ffs someone threw the thing out yet they still think it's worth nicking.

A mate of mine got his back from Gumtree, not sure what the other good free ads are, Preloved maybe ? Might be worth putting a few wanted ads in for a Boardman road bike - some of them are that thick they'd respond.

What Andy says makes you think twice about putting your name down as stuff like a cycling/triathlon club secretary.

popsider - don't let me put you off!! Having said all the negative stuff (our club sec had his bike taken 3 years ago) As long as you are insured you are ok - in fact like our last club victim. He was actually up on the deal with his nice new 2010 fully kitted bike.. you know my bike is looking a little shabby .. maybe if I left the bike shed open .......

Only joking. But there is a "2nd hand" bike shop in Bradford near where I work that sells used high end bike parts very cheaply... I woder where he gets the parts?? Problem is you will never proof they are nicked. and who's going to prosecute some one for a couple of stoken brake calipers?

"Read elsewhere today that M&S home insurance with home and away option is recommended for bikes"

I have the M&S home insurance - your bikes are insured up to a single value of £4K anywhere in the world. OK - that won't cover an out and out bling top end spec bike these days, but will do for most people.

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